Nasu Travel Virtual Tours Simple travel guide to things to do, eat, and see in Nasu, Japan

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Nasu is easy to reach from Tokyo and Narita/Haneda airports. Many visitors come from overseas.

Getting to Nasu

那須高原の場所マップ (↑) Click to open the sightseeing map.
Nasu Highlands is a resort area in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo. You can reach it by train, car, or highway bus. There is no train station in the main sightseeing area. This helps Nasu keep forests, mountains, and quiet hot spring towns. On this page, we explain how to reach Nasu from Tokyo and airports by train, bus, and car.
▼ Approximate travel time to major sights

Nasu Yumoto Hot Spring: JR Nasushiobara Station → Car/Bus ~30 min
Nasu Ropeway: JR Nasushiobara Station → Car ~40 min
Nasu Animal Kingdom: JR Nasushiobara Station → Car ~50 min

*Times are approximate and may vary by traffic and season.

▼ Main ways to reach Nasu
■ Travel to Nasu by train (most common)

那須への交通手段(電車)

[1] Take the Shinkansen to “JR Nasushiobara Station
The Tohoku Shinkansen takes about 1 hour 15 minutes from Tokyo Station. This route is fast and comfortable. Many international visitors use it. From Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, go to Tokyo Station by train or limousine bus. Then transfer to the Tohoku Shinkansen. Nasushiobara Station is mainly for Shinkansen trains. Transfers are simple and clearly signed, even for first-time visitors.

From Narita Airport, a common route is: Narita Airport → (Narita Express or Keisei Skyliner + local train) → Tokyo StationTohoku Shinkansen → Nasushiobara. From Haneda Airport, a common route is: Haneda Airport → (Tokyo Monorail or Keikyu Line + local train) → Tokyo Station area → Tohoku Shinkansen → Nasushiobara.

* From JR Nasushiobara Station to Nasu Highlands (Nasu Yumoto and Nasu Road areas), it takes about 30 minutes. You can easily continue by rental car, local bus, or taxi, depending on your travel style. There is no station in the center, so Nasu keeps a quiet resort setting.

[2] Take a local train to “JR Kuroiso Station
JR Kuroiso Station is the main local-train gateway to Nasu and Nasu Highlands. You can reach it by local train from JR Utsunomiya Station. There are bus stops and taxi stands in front of the station. You can also transfer at JR Nasushiobara Station and reach Kuroiso in one stop (about 5 minutes).

📍 Example routes from Kuroiso Station to Nasu Highlands
・Kanto Bus to the Nasu Yumoto area → about 30–40 minutes
・Taxi → about 20–35 minutes, depending on your destination
Kuroiso Station is close to Nasu and is useful for local trains and buses. Near the station, you can find cafes and local restaurants for a short break.

[3] Other local stations
JR Nishi-Nasuno Station is another access point with local buses to Nasu. Depending on your hotel and route, you can choose Nasushiobara, Kuroiso, or Nishi-Nasuno.

You can buy Shinkansen tickets at JR ticket counters and ticket machines in major stations. Some JR East rail passes are valid to JR Nasushiobara Station. If you use a JR East Rail Pass, check the covered area on the JR East website. Around Nasu, many stations and some buses accept IC cards such as Suica and PASMO. You do not need to buy a paper ticket each time.

For the latest timetables, fares, and service updates, check official operator websites, such as the JR East official website.

▼ Use a sightseeing taxi
You can use a sightseeing taxi from JR Nasushiobara Station or JR Kuroiso Station. The driver picks you up and guides you to several sightseeing spots. A small group can use it like a private tour. Some plans support basic English and allow advance reservations.

■ Travel to Nasu by car

那須への交通手段(車)

Most drivers use the Tohoku Expressway to reach Nasu. Tokyo area → Tohoku Expressway “Nasu IC
From Urawa IC to Nasu IC is about 2 hours (about 150 km). After you exit at Nasu IC, you enter the Nasu Highlands sightseeing area.

▼ Use a rental car
You can rent a car in Tokyo, near airports, or at JR Nasushiobara Station. If you prefer trains, take the Shinkansen to Nasushiobara first. Then rent a car near the station and drive around Nasu Highlands.

▼ Use your own car
From Nasu IC, you can reach many major sights and hotels in about 10–30 minutes. You can stop where you want without worrying about luggage. In winter, roads can be icy or snowy, so use winter tires or chains.

If you drive in Japan, you usually need an international driving permit and your home license. Japan drives on the left side, and rules may differ from your country.

■ Travel to Nasu by highway bus

Highway buses run from Tokyo areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Tokyo Station. The “Momiji” bus is one example. It goes directly to Nasu. This option can cost less and is easier with large luggage.

After you arrive by highway bus, you can use the Kyubi sightseeing shuttle bus. Nasu Town operates this bus. It loops between major sights and some hotels. With a one-day pass, you can hop on and off all day.

■ Tips for international visitors

・You can use IC cards such as Suica at JR Nasushiobara Station and JR Kuroiso Station. ・The Shinkansen connects directly from Tokyo, Omiya, and Sendai. Transfers are simple. ・Near Kuroiso Station, you can find local cafes and restaurants. It is a good base for town walks and Nasu Highlands. ・From airports, you can combine trains, Shinkansen, and buses to fit your schedule and budget. ・Many hotels and facilities in Nasu support basic English. More places accept cards and offer free Wi-Fi.

If you are not sure which bus to take, show this page or your hotel name to station staff. Many bus drivers speak little English, but they often try to help.

▼ Recommended routes by travel style
  • 🚄 Fast & comfortable
    Shinkansen → JR Nasushiobara Station → Taxi
  • 💰 Budget-friendly
    Local train → JR Kuroiso Station → Local bus
  • 🧳 With large luggage / fewer transfers
    Highway bus → Sightseeing shuttle bus
▼ Reservations & payments

・Sightseeing taxis and rental cars are recommended to book in advance.
・Local buses and sightseeing shuttle buses do not require reservations.
・IC cards such as Suica and credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is recommended.

■ Summary: compare access options
Shinkansen → Nasushiobara
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Medium
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Recommended for
People who want a fast, comfortable trip
Local train → Kuroiso
Speed
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Convenience
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Recommended for
People who want a slower, local trip
Highway bus
Speed
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Cost
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Convenience
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Recommended for
People who want to save money
Car / Rental car
Speed
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Convenience
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Recommended for
People who want more flexibility
▼ Helpful pages for trip planning
▼ Video information

■ Video information

▼ Seasonal guide
▼ Related pages